Tips from November 20, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how to hire employees for sales. Know the environments your candidates have worked in previously. Try to choose the candidates that have been in an environment that is similar to yours to adapt quickly to the culture. Previous work in sales is extremely important, especially if you are hiring for a higher level position. Check their references for sales positions to ensure they are not exaggerating on their resume. Inside sales and outsides sales are completely different. Know what you need to hire, and hire specifically for the position. Generally, the two sales positions don't cross. If you come across a candidate who has both, be sure to look into it. Have a trial session with candidates during the interview. Ask them to role play and deliver a pitch to you. Analyze their tone of voice, body language, and their wording of the pitch. This will help you determin... [Read Full Article]

Tips from November 19, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how to conduct performance reviews. Apply performance reviews to everyone in the office. Be fair and consistent with all reviews. The easiest way to do this is to create a template criteria sheet for every performance review. Conduct your review first, and before revealing it to the employee, ask them to evaluate themselves. The two should match fairly closely. If not, it's a red flag that something is not right. Talk the evaluation out and clarify expectations of their role. Although it is hard, you need to indicate poor performance. Be honest and straightforward about it, but don't be brutal or harsh. If you have any examples of the poor performance, document the behavior as it is happening. A performance review is not just to point out what the employee has been doing wrong. Use it to show what they're doing right as well. It's just as important since positive... [Read Full Article]

Tips from November 17, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss publicizing job openings. Knowing where to place your ads is crucial. Only a handful look in newspapers nowadays, the majority of people look online. Place ads on various job sites, such as SimplyHired or Craigslist. A simple "Help Wanted" ad in your window or on your website will help too. Make your ad informative first, creative second. You are looking to hire those who are serious about a job, not necessarily those who are attracted simply by the uniqueness and how catchy the job post is. Talk to local colleges. Many graduates, or students who are looking for a part time job, have their ears and eyes open for job opportunities. Have your job requirements ready. Job advertising through the media is a good way to go big. Try the radio first, then the TV. Be sure to include your phone number and/or website multiple times. Daily Overview: Post your... [Read Full Article]

Tips from November 16, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss proper hiring practices. Take time to hire, if you need to hire immediately. Plan for at least 2-4 weeks for the hiring process. Taking your time ensures you have hired the right candidate for the position and didn't hire without much thought. Know what YOUR business needs. Someone with an impeccable resume and work history who does not fit the criteria you have for yourself for the position won't work for what you need for your business. Think and choose carefully. Take into account your company's culture. Make sure they will be a fit for your workplace skill-wise, as well as with the employees. Camaraderie is important, especially if they are going to be part of your business team.  Take at least a two step process to eliminate candidates. Do phone interviews with 5 candidates, and narrow it down to 2 or 3 for the final face-to-face interview. ... [Read Full Article]

Politics Days from the Election: Candidates Talk-up Health care and Taxes Democrat Barack Obama is attacking his opponent's health care policies. Republican John McCain is rallying opposition to Obama's tax plans. They are both scouring battleground states like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Ohio in an effort to woo independents. Bloomberg Business Groups Seek Pension Fund Relief from Congress Business groups from across the country have asked Congress to revise pension fund rules to counter problems posed by current market conditions. Among the things they want are lower levels of funding for the plans and clarification as to whether they can smooth out reported market values. Reuters ... [Read Full Article]